Sanchez hails Healy

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez paid tribute to David Healy after his hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Liechtenstein.

Northern Ireland's record scorer took his tally to 27 goals in 55 matches with a second half hat-trick.

Sanchez hailed Leeds ace Healy as a "world class striker" after helping boost their hopes of reaching the finals.

"It is phenomenal strike rate. He is a world class striker," beamed Sanchez.

"The team understand that he is a scoring machine. It was a fantastic hat-trick.

"We do set up chances for him and we know if we do that, more often than not he will take them.

"The great thing about David is that he is a very down-to-earth person. He does not see himself as a superstar.

"The players are pleased we have someone of his calibre."

Sanchez was happy with the victory in Vaduz, but admitted Liechtenstein made it hard for them.

"It was not an easy win. Liechtenstein were much more offensive than in their previous three qualifiers," added Sanchez.

"We did a lot of things right in the first half but we only tested the keeper once when he made a good save from Keith Gillespie.

"We were a bit nervy at the back once or twice.

"I told them at half-time to keep doing the same things and the goals would come.

"We got one reasonably quickly and once we scored I knew we would get others."

One sour note for Sanchez was the booking for Keith Gillespie, which will rule the winger out of next week's clash with Group F leaders Sweden and Sanchez admitted it was a blow to lose the Sheffield United star.

"I am sure the Swedish manager (Lars Lagerback) is delighted," continued Sanchez.

"The other slight disappointment was to concede a goal so late on but overall it was a good night's work."